Senate Resolution 725
By: Senators Wicks of the 34th, Harbison of the 15th, Anderson of the 43rd, Payne of the
54th, Rhett of the 33rd and others
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the dedication of the Edward Crook Jr. Gymnasium; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, affectionately known as Eddie, Edward Crook, Jr., became Columbus, Georgia's
Olympic gold medalist at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy; and
WHEREAS, competing in middleweight boxing, Eddie was part of a historic and dynamic
United States Olympic boxing team that included Muhammad Ali and Wilbur McClure; and
WHEREAS, at age 31, Eddie was reportedly the oldest United States Army boxer to ever
win an Olympic gold medal, an extraordinary achievement that crowned an already
distinguished athletic career; and
WHEREAS, following his Olympic triumph, Eddie retired from competitive boxing and
continued his service with the United States Army, where his athletic excellence extended
to football; and
WHEREAS, Eddie served with the United States Army for 30 years, achieving the rank of
command sergeant major after serving two tours in Vietnam as well as earning the Silver
Star, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, Eddie supported the boxing program at the Fort Benning, where he established
a training initiative known as the "Smokers"; and
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2026, the Edward Crook Jr. Gymnasium, located on Fort
Benning, will be dedicated in honor of Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.'s, lifetime of athletic
success, service, and leadership.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
celebrate the dedication of the Edward Crook Jr. Gymnasium and honor the life of Edward
"Eddie" Crook, Jr.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of
Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.